A day in the life of a teacher?

Question

I've been thinking about becoming a teacher, but I can't decide if I would prefer elementary, middle school, or secondary (English/language arts) education. Could teachers out there please describe their typical days? I'd like to get as well-rounded a picture of what being a teacher is like.

Salary is not a concern, and I will probably not be teaching in an inner city school. I've used my vacation days to spend time in schools, and I had fun with all three age groups. I get the feeling that hanging out in a classroom for a day or two is a lot different than facing that classroom every day.

Answer 1

Hi, I am starting my 10th year of teaching middle school math. I LOVE THIS AGE GROUP, but a lot of people say you have to be part crazy yourself to teach this age group. That have a lot of energy and are going through a lot more emotionally at this age, but it is cool because you can help them become the life-long learners at this age, and help them become young adults. They really like having adult role-models who are not their parents at this age.

Since most schools are changing to a "true middle school" format, you will probably be on a "team" of teachers...one from each discipline. (Math, English, SS, Science, and maybe Special Ed.) You'll probably teach 5 classes a day, have one "prep/free" period, and then one "duty" period or one "team" period (which is NOT free time for you.)

One thing you have to understand about teaching, is that you are a teacher for 10 months STRAIGHT. You spend a lot of time doing work (planning / grading / contacting parents) at home and on weekends. The job does not end at 3:00, and it does not end on Friday. Of course, there are nights and weekends when you don't have as much to do, but don't bank on it!

It's a lot of work, but I really like it. It's a rewarding job, and it's kinda cool to think that you may have a positive impact on someone's future. But, there's not a lot of "glory," and the pay is "okay" (and I even teach in Connecticut - which is known for having some of the better pay!)

Feel free to contact me if you have anymore specific questions. Otherwise, best wishes!

Answer 2

I've worked all levels, but I guess being a man, I'm not so sentimental, so little children don't really appeal to me. I've always liked working secondary levels because at that level, kids are a little more mature and you can always try to reason with them if you can.

However, teenagers always have some sort of crisis going on in their lives, whether it be real or just adolescent crap. So that's where the challenge lies.

A typical day in high school can consist of several grueling periods because they're much longer than the periods in elementary school. There's always a lot more homework to check and planning can be a real pain in the neck, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be sailing along smoothly.

Currently I am two years removed from working with high school kids. I work at college level now, and there's not much difference really. I really enjoyed my days in high school English. If you think you have the patience for these kids, then give it a try. You'll love it!

Answer 3

I am 25 and has been teaching 12th grade at a NPS (NON Public School) since I was 21. This is a school for studens with behavior problems. They do everything from trying to fight the teacher to coming to school with weapons. Now for any regular person, they would be scared. But I have teaching very educational for myself.

Teaching really depends on the teacher. If you are a strong person at heart, and do not take crap teaching is simple. However, if you are a iffy person, chances are you will fail at it. My goal in teaching to is to teach the way I was taught. You also have to make it fun and interestinf. If you are bored chances are they are too.

My day consist of making sure I study the material the day before so I know most definitely what I am talking about. In the mornings, we start with journal writing and I usuaaly choose a topic that fit their lives. I like for them to write realistic and not imaginary. From there what ever subject is next I make sure that it is really exciting. For example we read Beowulf and these kids never heard of that story in their life, so I had to relate it to them and their everyday life. We did story boards and they really enjoyed it to the point that we finished the story earlier then what I had on my lesson plan.

Teaching is very rewarding and I think the fact that you said you are not worried about the pay lets me know that you are serious. The pay sucks but it must be something if I am still willing to work everyday with a smile.

GOODLUCk

Answer 4

I am about to begin my practicum in my teacher education courses. What I can tell you is that along your studies to be a teacher you will spend a lot of time in the classroom and you can work with any age group. I would recommend starting out with elementary kids and see if that's what you want to do. If not, then move on up. As you learn more in your classes, you will learn more about what age you prefer as well as what will be required of you based on your state's rules and regulations along with federal guidelines.

Answer 5

I have taught at all levels from primary school to university and they each have their own difficulties and their own rewards. I enjoyed them all.

I think I most enjoyed the range from about third grade to ninth grade. If you read Three Letters From Teddy at the link I've included it will give you an idea of why. Teachers can make quite a difference at any age, but I think particularly during those years.

Best of luck in your career.